Connect With Us

A Little Halloween Card History

Halloween is celebrated on October 31st with traditional activities like pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, costumes and the exchange of Halloween cards. Although Halloween cards didn't become popular until the 1930s in America, the fundamental traditions of the holiday date back for centuries! We think there's no better way to pay homage to the traditions of the past than to include some fun Halloween card history in a note to friends and family as you celebrate this year. Read on to find out a few exciting facts to include in your Halloween cards this October.

Many historians trace Halloween back to the Celtic festival Samhain, which acknowledged the end of the harvest season. Today, the symbols of pumpkins, wheat and other harvest crops are among some of the most popular Halloween card themes, drawing a direct comparison between the modern holiday and its roots in agriculture.

As the holiday evolved over the years, more themes eventually established themselves in Halloween cards, costumes and decorations. Masks and scary costumes began to gain popularity as children set out to frighten away the ghoulish spirits rumored to wander the streets on Halloween night. Soon after, trick-or-treating became customary, and some of the earliest Halloween cards were inscribed with the phrase, "Trick-or-Treat!"

In fact, the very first Halloween card was made in America in 1908. Today, these original Halloween cards have become classic collector's items, but modern designs featuring the same themes remain popular as well. Year after year, the act of sending Halloween cards has grown in popularity with adults and children alike, with Americans exchanging approximately 30 million Halloween cards each year.

As a result, when you and your family send your Halloween cards this year, you will be partaking in a time-honored tradition that involves frightening festivities, fun costumes and a chance to reconnect with friends in a classic way!